Enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food

ABSTRACT

An enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food, made of a relatively hard laminate material, such as a plastic paper card in both sides. A series of cuts and creases form a pyramidal torso box with four upper closing brims. Two of the brims are folded over one another, with the other two likewise folded over one another. The brims comprise edges which present a crease and a tip in hook, respectively, corresponding to complete the closing of the pyramidal box. In addition, two equal triangular-shaped brims are formed in two opposite sides of the box, also assisting in completing the box configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the triangular brims comprise free edges folded by a vertical cut, so that such edges are juxtaposed when the two brims are lifted against the corresponding lateral wall of the box. At such point, each brim receives a soldering line or a thermo-soldered line along the side and upper edges thereof, creating a tight and secure closure and seal of such area.

[0001] This Application is related to an application filed by the present Applicant on Aug. 21, 2001, in the nation of Brazil, and relies on same as an international priority date.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is an enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food, made of a relatively hard laminate material, such as a plastic paper card in both sides. A series of cuts and creases form a pyramidal torso box with four upper closing brims. Two of the brims are folded over one another, with the other two likewise folded over one another. The brims comprise edges which present a crease and a tip in hook, respectively, corresponding to complete the closing of the pyramidal box. In addition, two equal triangular-shaped brims are formed in two opposite sides of the box, also assisting in completing the box configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the triangular brims comprise free edges folded by a vertical cut, so that such edges are juxtaposed when the two brims are lifted against the corresponding lateral wall of the box.

[0004] Importantly, at such point, each brim receives a soldering line or a thermo-soldered line along the side and upper edges thereof, creating a tight and secure closure and seal of such area. This represents a significant departure from the disposable food packaging of the prior art, as it provides for considerably more stability as well as a uniquely leak-proof assembly.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] Numerous innovations for disposable food items have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior art patents most relevant to the invention at hand, as well a description outlining the differences between the features of the present invention and those of the prior art.

[0007] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,063, invented by Buchalski et al., entitled “Food Container”

[0008] The patent to Buchalski describes a plastic container which has four trapezoidal walls that slant upward and outward to create a top that is larger than its bottom. Each sidewall has a closure flap that is connected to it by a living hinge. There are projections on two opposed sidewalls that are attachment points for a handle. The handles have several apertures that mate with the projections. The plurality of apertures allow the handle to be attached in close relation to the top of the container, allowing the handle to act as a tie-down for the closure flaps. The container also employs several means to limit the extent of nesting of the containers.

[0009] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,483, invented by Haraldsson et al., entitled “Self-Locking Paperboard Pail-Like Container And Product Thereof”

[0010] The Haraldsson invention relates to paperboard containers. Such structures of this type, generally, allow for the container to be formed into a self-locking, pail-like container for holding food stuffs.

[0011] 3. U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,478, invented by Tang, entitled “Single Piece Container And Method For Making”

[0012] In the patent to Tang, a single piece container and method for making the same are presented. The container has an opening and a body and includes first and second pairs of opposing covering flaps and a pair of opposing handles. The covering flaps cover the container body opening so as to keep the container contents in place.

[0013] 4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,484, invented by Buchalski et al., entitled “Food Container”

[0014] This patent to Buchalski et al. describes a thermoplastic molded or formed container which has four trapezoidal walls that incline upwardly and outwardly upstanding from a bottom wall to create a top opening that is larger than the bottom wall. Each side wall has a closure flap that is connected to it at an upper edge by a living hinge. A locking handle member in the shape of a loop with locking extensions extends from an edge of one flap and engages a slot in an opposite flap. The handle member is a loop with locking projections which engage the opposite flap surface, the handle member passing through the slot for manually grasping. The container may be square or rectangular in transverse section or a combination thereof with a conical truncated section.

[0015] 5. U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,175, invented by Cai, entitled “Cup Container With Integral Closure”

[0016] This patent to Cai describes a container formed of foldable sheet material including a body of a slightly tapered inverted conical configuration having opposed pairs of closure flaps integrally hinged to the upper rim of the body and foldable to overlie the upwardly directed open mouth of the container. The inward folding of the flaps inwardly flex corresponding portions of the body wall to a generally rectangular configuration adjacent and downward from the rim. The outer flaps interlock by a cooperating tongue and slot. In variations, integral or bonded handles are provided to overlie the closed container. Additional sealing at the defined corners between adjacent flaps is achieved by integrally formed folding gussets.

[0017] 6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,465, invented by Gondek et al., entitled “Disposable, Microwaveable, Food Storage Container”

[0018] The patent to Gondek et al., describes a disposable package assembly for storage and subsequent microwave heating of a food item. The package assembly includes a container body having one or more raised lands integrally formed on the bottom surface thereof. The one or more raised lands support a microwave browning disk, and a food item is supported upon the browning disk. The one or more raised lands create an air space between the bottom of the container body and the browning disk to promote even circulation of heated air. A lid is disposed over the container body to enclose the food item.

[0019] 7. U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,389, invented by Wind, entitled “Disposable Food Container”

[0020] The patent to Wind describes a molded single service food container adapted to permit eating the food directly from the container, comprising a formed tray portion generally wedge shaped having a planar top edge which is angularly disposed with respect to the bottom. A cover portion having substantially similar characteristics may be hinged to the tray by a continuous hinged member. Both tray and cover are preferably thermoformed plastic, either vacuum or pressure formed. The shallow end is provided with food elevating means to prevent food which overhangs the shallow end from contacting an unsanitary surface.

[0021] 8. U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,476, invented by Compton et al., entitled “Plastics Containers”

[0022] The patent to Compton et al. describes a nestable container in which identical containers are held together in a stack by holding means. The holding means comprise axially extending ribs on the outside of the container which engage a cylindrical surface on the inside of the container to hold the container together in the stack by friction.

[0023] 9. U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,159, invented by Calvert et al., entitled “Heat Sealed Paperboard Carton having Polymer Coating On One Side Only”

[0024] The patent to Calvert describes folded paperboard food cartons having a polymer coating only on the interior surface and sales graphics on a substantially unplasticized clay coated exterior surface and are heat sealed at contiguous areas of overlapping flaps wherein the polymer coated interior surface is in direct contact with a small portion of the clay coated exterior surface or, where it is desired to secure together two portions of the clay coated exterior surface. In such heat sealing areas, small and accurately located exterior clay coated carton surface areas are primed with a water based polymer emulsion such as ethylene vinyl acetate that is precisely applied to such areas by a printing press.

[0025] 10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,134, invented by Gulliver, entitled “Closable Carton”

[0026] In the patent to Gulliver, a carton includes a bottom wall panel, four side wall panels, each of the side wall panels being integrally connected along a fold line to the bottom wall panel thereby defining first and second pairs of opposite side wall panels. Comer portions integrally connect adjacent side wall panels. The comer portions are secured in overlapping pairs against the second pair of opposite side wall panels. Flap members are provided with each of the flap members being integral along a flap fold line with one of the side wall panels of the first pair of opposite side wall panels. Each of the flap members includes foldable portions constructed and arranged to be folded into generally overlapping relation with a central portion of the flap member. Closure members are provided with each of the closure members being integral along a closure fold line with one of the side wall panels of the second pair of opposite side wall panels. Tab structure secures a closure member to an adjacent flap member. Handle portions for carrying the carton are provided with each of the handle portions being integral along a handle fold line with one of the closure members. Each of the handle fold lines is generally parallel to a closure fold line and has an extent greater than the closure fold line. The carton is constructed and arranged such that it may be closed and may remain in a closed condition due to the construction of the carton itself.

[0027] Generally, the prior patents illustrate various designs, including: paperboard containers of a similar shape; paperboard food cartons having polymer coatings; disposable cylindrical package assemblies for storage and/or microwave usage; separate tray and cover assemblies; and stackable or nestable containers of various materials.

[0028] Unlike the above, the present invention is made of a relatively hard laminate material, such as a plastic paper card. This provides considerably more stability than the disposable paper containers of the prior art. In addition, in the present invention, unlike the prior art, each brim receives a soldering line or a thermo-soldered line along the side and upper edges thereof, creating a tight and secure closure and seal of such area. Such provides a more effective means to contain and transport any of a great variety of foods, be they hot or cold, in a very convenient manner. Unlike the prior art, the soldered portion of the present assembly prevents leakage of the contents, as a completely tight seal is created. In addition, the unique configuration and stability of the present invention allow multiple containers to be stacked atop one another, providing a host of advantages to those in the food and restaurant industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0029] As noted above, the present invention is an enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food, made of a relatively hard laminate material, such as a plastic paper card in both sides. A series of cuts and creases form a pyramidal torso box with four upper closing brims. Two of the brims are folded over one another, with the other two likewise folded over one another. The brims comprise edges which present a crease and a tip in hook, respectively, corresponding to complete the closing of the pyramidal box. In addition, two equal triangular-shaped brims are formed in two opposite sides of the box, also assisting in completing the box configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the triangular brims comprise free edges folded by a vertical cut, so that such edges are juxtaposed when the two brims are lifted against the corresponding lateral wall of the box.

[0030] Importantly, at such point, each brim receives a soldering line or a thermo-soldered line along the side and upper edges thereof, creating a tight and secure closure and seal of such area. This represents a significant departure from the disposable food packaging of the prior art, as it provides for considerably more stability as well as a uniquely leak-proof assembly.

[0031] As such, one object of the present invention is to provide packaging that is relatively strong and durable to contain a variety of hot or cold food items.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to provide packaging that prevents leakage of the contents thereof.

[0033] An additional object of the invention is to provide multiple like containers that may be conveniently and securely stacked atop one another in order to conserve valuable space.

[0034] Another object of the invention is to provide containers that may be manufactured in a variety of sizes, each suitable to contain particular previously-determined quantities of food therein.

[0035] An additional object of the present invention is to provide packaging that may bear any of a number of colors or designs thereon, including indicia relating to the style of food or cuisine with which the packaging is used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036]FIG. 1 is an upper three-quarter perspective view, showing the packaging with open upper brims and equally open side brims.

[0037]FIG. 2 is an upper three-quarter perspective view, showing the packaging in completely assembled and closed position.

[0038]FIG. 3 is an upper three-quarter perspective view, showing the packaging with all brims in the open position.

[0039]FIG. 4 is an upper three-quarter perspective view, showing the packaging in completely open position, and further illustrating both brims soldered against lateral walls of the box-shape.

[0040]FIG. 5 is an upper three-quarter perspective view, showing the improved packaging in closed position.

[0041]FIG. 6 is an upper three-quarter perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of improved packaging in closed position.

[0042]FIG. 7 is an upper three-quarter perspective view, showing an additional alternate embodiment of improved packaging in closed position.

[0043]FIG. 8 is an upper three-quarter perspective exploded view, showing the manner in which soldering items are carried out between the brims and the box-shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0044] According to all of the above-noted FIGURES and description, the present invention is an enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food.

[0045] First, referring to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such current technique provides a means for the temporary packaging of certain foods, whether they are hot or cold. However, such packaging presents certain inconveniences, particularly regarding the lateral closing defined by the brims (6) and the fastener (9) as shown in the FIGURES, as, although mechanically efficient, this type of closing creates problems in sealing the container.

[0046] Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1, each brim (6) is formed by a fold or two wall parts which are a continuation of its corresponding lateral walls, creating a space between themselves (10) which communicates with the corresponding tear (8), where the fastener fits in (9).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the fixation point is positioned much lower than the box upper edge (1) and thus, if the packaged food has any liquid parts, it will unavoidably flow through the created spaces (10-8), resulting in an undesirable leakage.

[0048] Such frequently takes place when the packaging is used for ready-to-go delivery food, such as Chinese food. Furthermore, due to the placement of the fastening means, opening and closing the container is very slow, and the configuration actually adds to the overall cost of production of the packaging.

[0049] The present invention seeks to depart from the prior art and provide a more stable packaging that is particularly well-suited for the containment of foods what include liquids. Specifically, referring to the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the packaging is manufactured of a substantially hard laminate peace of material, such as a plastic card paper on both sides.

[0050] The material comprises a series of cuts and creases, creating a generally pyramidal-shaped torso box (1). The configuration also creates a total of four upper closing brims, with two such brims (2) folded first, and the remaining two brims being folded over (3). Each of the edges comprises a tier (4) and a tip in hook (5), corresponding to one another, which functions to allow the pyramidal box (1) to close in a secure manner.

[0051] In addition, the packaging assembly comprises two opposing sides of the box (1), as well as two other brims which form equal triangular shapes (6). This finalizes and defines the total structure as well as secure closing of the pyramidal torso-shaped box (1).

[0052] Moreover, still regarding the preferred embodiment best depicted by FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the edges of the triangular brims (6) are free and folded by a vertical cut (11). This allows such edges to be juxtaposed when the two brims (6) are lifted against the corresponding lateral wall (12) of the box (1). At this portion of the assembly, each brim (6) receives a solder or thermo-soldered line (13A), which extends along its lateral sides and upper edges. Importantly, this creates a secure, tight seal for the closing of such space (10).

[0053] Next, referring to FIG. 6, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the brims (6) comprise only a line of upper solder (13 b). Moreover, in such embodiment, the free tips of the brims (6) are not folded by vertical cuts (11) as in the preferred mode. However, like the preferred mode, the configuration provides the secure and tight seal of the open space (10).

[0054] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 7, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the soldered lines (13) always follow on the perimeter internal margin of the brims free edges (6). Such are independent from applied geometric variations, as illustrated in PICTURE 7, where the additional variation is shown. In this instance, the free tips of the brims are apart from one another as well as generally rounded (14).

[0055] As such, the soldered lines (13A, 13B, 13C) always follow on the inner outline defined by the free edges of the brims (6). As in the instance noted above, such are independent from the elected geometric configuration.

[0056] Representing another alternate embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 illustrates the soldered lines (13) following the assembly with a support punch (15), as such geometry contributes for a corresponding secure fitting inside the box (1). Also, inside the box, the lateral faces comprise support for the opposite lateral walls (12) to be soldered through a board (16) with a heating circuit (17), having its drawing following the geometric forms of the soldering lines, respectively (13A, 13B, 13C).

[0057] Therefore, in light of all of the foregoing text and drawings, the present invention presents several variations of enhanced food packaging assemblies that provide multiple practical and technical advantages over the prior art.

[0058] Such distinctive features of the present invention include the creation of effective seals to prevent leakage, an enhanced means to fix the brim to the lateral walls of the box-shape, thus providing previously-unavailable stability, and a unique means to effectively stack two or more like packages.

[0059] With regards to all descriptions and graphics, while the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the invention.

[0060] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food manufactured of a substantially hard laminate material, comprising: a plurality of cuts and creases, forming a generally pyramidal torso box, comprising a generally square bottom base and a generally square top base, with the dimension of the bottom base slightly smaller than dimension of the top base; the assembly further comprising four upper closing brims, two of the brims folded over one another, with the remaining two brims folded over one another; a plurality of superposed edges each comprise a tier and a tip in a hook (5), corresponding to allow for effective closure of the pyramidal box; two opposing sides of the box comprising two additional brims which form equal triangles, allowing for closure and the pyramidal box and completion of the structure.
 2. The enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food as described in claim 1, wherein each of the brims comprise an upper soldering line, and free tips of the brims are not folded by vertical cuts.
 3. The enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food as described in claim 1, wherein a soldering line is located along an internal margin of a perimeter of the brims, independently from a geometric applied shape in the outline of the brims.
 4. The enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food as described in claim 1, wherein tips of brims are separated from one another and generally rounded, with the tips further having adjacent sides attached by a soldering line.
 5. The enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food as described in claim 1, wherein the two soldering lines are matched together with a support punch, comprising a shape sufficient to allow the same to be settled inside the box, where two lateral faces form a support for opposite lateral walls soldered though a board with a heating circuit, following the general shape of each of the respective soldering lines.
 6. The enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food as described in claim 1, wherein packaging of hot or cold foods.
 7. The enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food as described in claim 1, wherein the packaging side walls feature two contrastive colors.
 8. The enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food as described in claim 1, wherein the packaging is manufactured in small, medium, and large sizes. 